Role

:

Composer  

Country

:

United Kingdom

Birth

:

1953 in West Virginia

Genre

:

Chamber

 

 

Vocal

 

Ronn McFarlane is a renowned classical music artist who has made a significant contribution to the world of music through his exceptional skills as a lutenist. Born in West Virginia in 1953, McFarlane grew up in a family that was passionate about music. His father was a jazz pianist, and his mother was a singer, which exposed him to music at an early age. McFarlane's interest in music began when he was just six years old, and he started playing the guitar. However, he soon discovered the lute, an instrument that fascinated him with its unique sound and history. He began studying the lute in earnest, and by the time he was in high school, he was already performing in public. After high school, McFarlane attended Shenandoah Conservatory of Music, where he studied classical guitar. He later transferred to Peabody Conservatory of Music, where he studied lute under the tutelage of Paul O'Dette. McFarlane's talent and dedication to his craft were evident, and he quickly became one of the most promising lutenists of his generation. In 1978, McFarlane joined the Baltimore Consort, a group that specialized in early music. He remained with the group for over a decade, during which time he recorded several albums and performed in numerous concerts across the United States and Europe. McFarlane's virtuosity on the lute was a highlight of the group's performances, and he quickly gained a reputation as one of the best lutenists in the world. In 1987, McFarlane left the Baltimore Consort to pursue a solo career. He released his first solo album, "The Scottish Lute," in 1989, which was well-received by critics and audiences alike. The album showcased McFarlane's versatility as a musician, as he played a variety of Scottish lute music from the 16th and 17th centuries. Over the next few years, McFarlane continued to release solo albums and perform in concerts around the world. He also began teaching at the Peabody Conservatory of Music, where he had studied years earlier. McFarlane's teaching style was highly regarded, and he quickly became one of the most sought-after lute teachers in the United States. In 1996, McFarlane released "Indigo Road," an album that showcased his original compositions for the lute. The album was a departure from his previous work, as it featured a more contemporary sound that blended elements of jazz and folk music with classical lute music. "Indigo Road" was a critical and commercial success, and it cemented McFarlane's reputation as a groundbreaking musician. In 2000, McFarlane released "The Renaissance Lute," an album that featured his interpretations of lute music from the Renaissance period. The album was a return to McFarlane's roots, and it showcased his mastery of the lute's traditional repertoire. "The Renaissance Lute" was widely praised for its beauty and authenticity, and it earned McFarlane a Grammy nomination for Best Classical Crossover Album. McFarlane continued to release albums and perform in concerts throughout the 2000s and 2010s. He collaborated with other musicians, including the renowned soprano Ellen Hargis, and he continued to push the boundaries of what was possible on the lute. McFarlane's dedication to his craft and his innovative approach to music have made him one of the most respected and influential lutenists of his generation. In addition to his successful career as a musician, McFarlane has also received numerous awards and honors.

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